Well pumping unit



Sept. l5,` 1936. G. T, HUMPHREY 2,054,655

WELL PUMPING UNIT Filed 0G13, 17, 1935 3 Shees-Sheet l E ELE- 'INVENTOR TTORNEY Sept 15, 1936 G. T. HUMPHREY 2,054,655

WELL PUMPING UNIT Filed Oct. 17, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FLIJZ..

. P-EE- E- IN VEN TOR.

A TTORNEY Sept. 15, 1936. G. T. HUMPHREY WELL PUMPING UNIT Filed Oct. 17, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Sept. l5, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WELL PUMPING UNIT George T. Humphrey, Dallas, Tex.

Application October 17, 1935, Serial No. 45,459

6 Claims.

This invention relates to oil field equipment and it has particular reference to certain new and useful improvements in well pumping units.

The principal object of the invention is to provide in a well pumping unit, a convertible frame whose peculiar construction is such that it may be adapted to three or more systems of pumping oil, gas or water wells, inasmuch as it is provided with equipment, which, with but slight alteration may employ either the cable for ilexible connection with the pump or by a walking beam. In either case, flexibility is insured between the power and actual engagement of the cable or pump rods with the traveling valve or pump. ar-

ranged for reciprocation in the well.

Another and important object of the invention is to provide a self-contained unit, that is to say, a unit in which the power source may be included in the structural combination in such manner that the greatest eillciency may be obtained therefrom without requiring a space greater than that which would be ordinarily occupied by the unit separately.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pumping unit, whether cable or walking beam actuated which will insure absolute perpendicular travel of the pump rods in the well or tubing, thereby obviating the usual expense and difficulties encountered due to crystallization and consequent breakage of the rods when they are subjected to lateral stresses and binding action where no attempt is made to compensate for the variation in movement between the walking beam and polished rod of conventional design.

Yet another and most important object oi the invention is toprovide a combined power wheel and counterbalance whose'novel characteristics reside in the fact that it is self contained and various weight adjustments may be obtained within the peripheral connem'ent of the wheel.

This wheel is so constructed that suitable counterbalanced weights may be moved relative to its rotating axis by only a single workman to obtain from zero to maximum degree of counterbalancing effect, depending upon the rod, by the simple movement of the weight relative to the axis or periphery of the wheel.

Still another object of the invention is to provide inthe power and counterbalance wheel areinforcing medium which will resist any tendency of the adjustable weight to vary the true alinement of the wheel, which is unlikely due to the fact that the force is outward, but in addition to this, the reinforcement provided insures against .55 fracture of any of the structural elements of the (Cl. 'I4-103) wheel, should it be subjected at any time to any undue stressesin operation.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has particular reference to [its salient features of construction and arrangement of 5 parts which will become manifest as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:-

Figure 1 is an elevational view of one form of the pumping unit, showing its convertible frame 10 and adaptation as a cable operated pumping unit.

Figure 2 is a front elevation of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view, with certain parts of the upper portion broken away, to illustrate progressively the drive from the power source to the l5 counterbalances.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary detail View in perspective showing the preferred adjustment for the counterbalances.

Figure 5 is a detail view in perspective show- 20 ing Va joint retaining clamp for the pump unit cable which connects the cable with the connection shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 is a detail View of the cable connection.

. Figure 7 shows a method of securing the cables 25 to a cross head which is a part of the cable clamp, connecting the pump unit cables with the polished rod. y

Figure 8 is a modified form of counterbalance weight adjustment. 30

Figure 8A is a plan view of a complete structure, part of which is shown in Figure 8, illustrating the modified form of counterbalance adjustment.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the convertible 35 pump unit frame, showing its adaptation for a walking beam.

Figure 10 is a sectional view on lines IIJ-l0 on Figure 9.

Figure 11 is an elevational view of the power 40 and counterbalancing wheel. v

Figure 12 is a view on lines I 2-i2 on Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a sectional view of the upper segment of the wheel shown in Figure 12, differing only in that the periphery is channeled and thus 45 adapted to receive a V-belt, and

Figure 14 is a side elevation of the upper segment of the power and counterbalancing wheel showing gear or sprocket teeth for the reception of companion gear teeth or a sprocket chain. 50

Continuing with a more detailed description of the drawings, reference is primarily made to Figure 1 in which one form of the invention is shown in which reciprocation of the pump rod assembly is obtained through the medium of a cable, whose exibility is insured against other than strictly perpendicular travel of the pump rodsor polished rods as the case may be. It may be mentioned at this point that the frame of the pumping unit, to be described presently is convertible, that is to say, it may be adapted for cable use as shown in Figure 1 or to receive a walking beam as illustrated in Figure 9.

However, in the case of the structure shown in Figures l and 2, I indicates a base constructed preferably of I-beams superimposed upon which are substantially uprightmembers and angular supports 3. Bearings 4 are situated upon the upper end of the uprights 2 and in these bearings is journaled the ends of a shaft 5, the latter carrying a peripherally grooved sheave or pulley 6, to which reference will again be made presently.

Substantially vmidway between the top and base of the frame are transverse or horizontally disposed members 1, one of which is situated on either side of the frame. An enlarged view of the member 1 and their relationship with the frame is shown in plan view in Figure 3. Bearings or journal boxes 8; similar to the bearings 4, are disposed on lthe members 1. The purpose of these bearings 1 is to receive stub shafts 9. Upon the inner ends of each of said shafts is affixed the members'IIl of a counterbalance. The counterbalance will be broadly designated by the reference character I0 in the course of the detaildescription thereof to follow presently.

Interposed between the members of the counterbalance I0 is a shaft I I, shown in detail in Figure 4, and by virtue of bearing plates I2 and their adjustability relative to ends vof counterbalance members I0, the weight imposed by the counterbalance on the axes of the shaft 9 may be varied, depending of course on the load carried by the rod reciprocating cable I3.

Referring to Figure 4, it will be noted that each member I 0 of the counterbalance is grooved or recessed at I4 and is provided with a reinforcing rib I5 to strengthen the members I0 which are weakened presumably by the groove or recess I4. This structure is somewhat modified in the Figure 8, to which reference will be later made. The fragmentary member I0 shown in Figure 4 provides apertures I6 to receive bolts I1 which secure the bearing plates I2 in the recess I4. By removing these bolts, the plate I2 may be moved in the recess or groove I4, thus changing the effect of the counterbalance as explained.

Carried upon the shaft II, whose axis is obviously offset with respect to the axes of shaft 9 to obtain the necessary crank effect, carries a grooved sheave I 8 as shown in Figure 3. The preferred construction requires that a roller bearing I9 be disposed within the sheave I8 and which surrounds a bronze bushing 20. 'I'his construction minimizes wear and reduces the friction to the minimum.

Carried upon the outer ends of shafts 9 are drive wheels 2|. These wheels are likewise peripherally grooved to receive a plurality of belts 22. These belts are preferably V-shape in transverse section and surround similarly grooved pulleys 23, mounted upon the ends of a transverse shaft 24. A drive wheel 25, likewise having a series of peripheral grooves is mounted upon shaft 24 and V-type belts 26 surround this wheel and a similar but smaller wheel or pulley 21 mounted upon the armature shaft 28 of the motor 29. From the foregoing it is apparent that when the motor 29 is set into operation, the wheel or pulley is rotated to impart rotation to the shaft 24 and wheels 2I, which in turn impart rotation to the stub shaft 9 to thereby rotate the counterbalance I0. 'Ihis action obviously causes the axis of the sheave I8 to swing in a circular path about the common axis of the vtwo shafts9, but in so doing,

the sheave I8 oscillates rather than rotates since it is around this sheave that the cable I3 is passed and which continues over the large wheel 6 and supports the cross member 30, shown in detail in Figure '7. Continuous operation in accordance with the foregoing actuates the polished rod 3| in a strictly perpendicular path without deviation and therefore minimizes crystallization and possible consequent breakage.

It is apparent that the counterbalance I0 as Well as the wheels 2l, which are provided with counterbalance means' 32, may be weighted to the desired capacity or load carried, to overcome as mulch as possible the strain to which the frame would otherwise be subjected. The frame as shown in Figure 7 is equipped with suitable braces 33, 34, and 35. f

The structure as described andy shown in Figure 1 employs but a single cable I3 but if found desirable, two cables may be employed-by usingl the device shown in Figure 5, which is comprised of a sleeve or collar 36 through which is passed a stub shaft 31, the shaft being in substitution of shaft II shown in Figure 3. Roller bearings 33 surround the shaft 31. Bifurcated members 9 extend outward from the sleeve 36 and are recessed or hooked at 40 to receive pins 4I. Referring to Figure 6, the ends of the cables 42 are suitably secured in sockets provided by the protuberances 43 vmidway between the ends of the pins 4I and these pins are loosely disposed in the recesses 40 of the bifurcations 39 in order that the protuberances 43 will extend between the bifurcations 39.

Accordingly, assuming that the ends of the shafts 31 are journaled in the boxes I2 secured to the counterbalance I0, the cables 42 will overreach the grooved wheel 6 and depend to receive the cross member 30, shown in Figure 7, which in turn, through the rods 44, suspends the pump rod assembly in the well. Should one of the cables 42 break, the companion cable will hold the load and prevent-the rod assembly from dropping Ainto the well until the broken cable can be repaired. Of course, in case of such breakage the sleeve 36 will be rotatably displaced in the hooks of the bifurcated members 39 thereby holding the pins 4I intact.

Referring `to Figure '7, it will be noted that the ends of cable I3 are secured in the cross-member 30 by mule tailing as shown or by any other suitable means.

It has been stated in the preamble and in the course of the foregoing description relating to the cable operated pumping unit that the frame per se is convertible and which feature is among the most important of the objects of the invention.

The following description will deal with the same frame employing a walking beam as a. modified example of the invention.

Accordingly, reference is primarily made to Figure 9 showing a perspective view of the modifled form of the invention. The reference numeral 45 denotes the base structure comprised' preferably of I beams superimposed upon which are members 46 the upper ends of which are tilted slightly rearwardly and supported by angular braces 41. -The members referred to are relatively reinforced by the reinforcing bars 48 and 49 and it will be understood that it is :preferredr that all of the elements of the combination in the frame be welded for strength and durability.

-As in the preceding instance, aV support 50 is situated approximately midway between the top and bottom of the frame and carries bearings or journal boxes I. In fact, two sets of such boxes are employed, one set being adapted to receive the ends of a shaft upon which is mounted a winch 52, driven by a chain 53 from a sprocket 54 mounted upon a transverse shaft 55 rearwardly of the frame and this reference will again be made presently. It will be understood that the winch is included in the combination to serve the useful purpose of pulling pump rods, lifting heavy objects around the well, and for other purposes to which it may be applied, and while it is not shown, a suitable clutch is provided on the shaft supporting this winch and is actuated by a hand lever 56.

A motor 51 .provides the necessary power for driving the shaft 55 previously referred to through the belt or chain 58 surrounding the armature shaft of the motor and peripherally grooved wheels 59, mounted upon the ends of shaft 60. Belts 6I surround these wheels 59 and counterbalanced wheels 62, mounted upon the ends of shaft 55.

It is apparent from the vforegoing that when the motor 51 is set in operation, shaft 60 is rotated and through wheels 59, belts 6I and wheels 62, a-pitman like motion is imparted to the member 63. This member is bifurcated or forked, the

ends being pivotally joined at 64 to the wheels 62 adjacent their peripheries. The upper end of the member 63` is pivotally joined at 65 to one end of the walking beam 66. It is apparent therefore that the operation previously outlined will impart a rocking movement to the walking beam 66.

Near the top of the frame is a shelf or support 61, reinforced by vertical members or brackets 68. Mounted upon this support are bearings.

69 in which are journaled stub shafts 10 carried by the links 1I. The opposite ends of these links 1l are pivotally joined to a slidable bearing support 12 at 13.

Particular notice will be taken in Figure 9 that the walking beam 66 is displaceably suspended at a point midway between its ends from a shaft 14, whose ends are journaled in bearings 15. The suspending means is comprised of links 16, depending from the shaft 14 and terminating immediately below the bottom surface of the walking beam 66, at which point they are pivotally connected to ear 11, the latter being suitably secured to the beam 66. It will be seen therefore that the beam 66 is capable of slight endwise movement, the links 16 at their lower ends describing an arc when such movement is imparted to the beam. This endwise movement is effective when rocking movement is imparted to the beam by the member 63, as previously described, and the purpose of such movement is to constrain the well pump rods or polished rod to move in a strictly vertical path and thereby reduce lateral stresses thereon, to minimize crystallization of the rods, caused by frictional wear resulting in possible breakage. This displacement of the walking beam is obvious since under ordinary conditions, that is to say when the beam is rocked on a face pivot, it is operative and will describe an arc but by pivotally'suspending the fulcrum of the beam the arc is greatly diminished and for all practical purposes the motion imparted to the rods is or might be referred to i `erative end of the walking beam for receiving a temper screw connection, which in turn-sus pends the pump rod assembly.

As a means to conserveagainst sagging or buckling the beam 66 is reinforced at 19 and 80, by plates, suitably secured as by welds. on bolts between the flanges of the I beam of which the walking beam is constructed. Moreover, strips or plates 8l are longitudinally disposed at the fulcrum point of the beam both above and below.

Referring again to the adjustable block or member 12 it will be observed that the lower flange of the beam 66. is slatted at A, in Figure 9, to receive the bolts B which hold the block 12 imposition. By loosening these bolts, the block may be moved longitudinally of the beam 66 by adjusting thescrew or threaded` rod 82 passing through the depending and threaded ear 83. Thus the degree of pivotal displacement of the beam is adjusted through the links 1l, whose opposite ends are pivotally secured as explained.

Particular notice will be taken that theV frame as shown in Figure 1 is identical in construction to that-shown-in Figure 9 which makes I for convenience when it is desired to substitute the cable operated rods for the more rigid walking beam and vice versa. In either case, strain upon the polished rod is reduced to the minimum as apparent.

As a modied example of the counter-balance arm shown in Figures 3 and 4, as previously described, a similar structure is illustrated in Figtion to the usual form of such means and one y which may be adjusted by a single Workman. This counter-balance is in the present case embodied in the structure shown in Figures 11 to 14 inclusive and is not only a counter-balance but also a power wheel which may find use in other cases where counter-balanced power is required, for instance in the drilling of wells.

The wheel shown is comprised primarily of the rim 90 which may be smooth, annularly grooved or toothed asV exemplified in Figures 12, 13 and 14 respectively. The body of the wheel includes the web 9| and what may be conveniently termed a widened spoke 92, connected together by spokes 93, suitably reinforced by webs 94. Diametrical slots 95 are provided both in the web 9| and widened spoke 92 but are not connected. These slots receive bolts 96 for sliding displacement and which secure counter-balance weights 91 in the desire-d position relative to the rotating axis or hub 18 of the wheel. The flange of the hub, as

apparent, is split and may be tightened on a shaft by a suitable set screw or bolt, as illustrated.

The enlarged view, Figure 13, shows that the counter-balance weights 91 are grooved to receive the ribs 99. These ribs serve the dual purpose of reinforcing the wheel and also in maintaining the desired rigidity of the counter-balance weights when the latter are placed in accordance with the load and further ald in grinding the Weights during adjustment.

Heretofore, it has been the custom to provide a crank and pitman for the transfer of power. the worknow performed by the gears and 90a in Figure 14. These gears which are counterbalanced, not only serve more effectively than the crank but likewise dispense with the necessity of providing reduction gears which is an expensive addition and wholly unnecessary when the present invention is employed.

It is apparent therefore that regardless of the size of the wheel and its appurtenances, it will not require more than the services of one man to effect adjustment of the weights. This wheel is adapted for use on both the forms of the invention shown and described.

Manifestly, the construction shown is capable of considerable modification and it will be understood that such modiiication as may fall within the meaning and scope of the appended claims is likewise considered within the spirit and intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A well pumping unit including a frame and a walking beam, means for swingingly suspending said beam from the top of said frame intermediate its ends, counter-balancedmeans for transmitting to sai-d beam a rocking motion, means adjacent the fulcrum point of said beam operatively for holding the swinging movement of said beam within predetermined limits to constrain the outer end thereof to move rectilinearly, means for adjusting the extent of said swinging movement, said means being also eiective for longitudinally displacing said beam from its operative position.

2. In a well pump as defined in claim l, in which the means for limiting the swing of said beam is capable of being adjusted to increase and decrease the range through which said Vbeam swings.

3. A pumping unit for wells including vertical uprights and a walking beam, means pivotally suspending said beam intermediate its ends from a point above its major axis to said uprights, said means constituting the sole support of said beam,

means pivotally connected indirectly to said up-y rights on either side of said beam and having common pivotal connection with said beam between one end and its fulcrum to constrain the beam to move longitudinally during its travel4 above and below the horizontal plane and means to effect longitudinal displacement of said beam from its operative position.

4. In a pumping unit, a walking beam support, a walking beam, means comprising the sole support for said beam and pivotally suspending the same for limited longitudinal displacement from said support at a point above its major axis.'

means connected to said beam between an end thereof and its fulcrum and disposed on either side thereof to hold said beam against lateral displacement and to constrain the ends thereof to follow a substantially vertical line when said beam is rocked on its fulcrum.

5. In an apparatus for operating wells, a walking beam and support, a pair of parallel links pivoted to the tcp of said support and tothe underside of said beam for suspending said walking beam from said support at a point approximately midway` between its ends whereby its fulcrum will be capable of swinging relative to its point of suspension, means connected to said beam and to said support for positively resisting the axial thrust of said beam to constrain its ends to move on a substantially vertical path.

6. In an apparatus for pumping wells, a walking beam, and a support therefor, a member pivoted to the top of said support and to a point below the longitudinal axis of said beam for suspending the full weight of said walking beam relative to said support at its fulcrum whereby the weight of the beam will have a tendency to displace its fulcrum relative to its point of suspension at each extreme position thereof, means on either side of the beam having connection between the latter and its support for holding within predetermined limits the displacement of said beam to cause its ends to travel in substantially vertical planes and to hold said beam against lateral displacement.

GEORGE T. HUMPHREY. 

